05-14-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City COWlcil Minutes May 14, 2007 Page 5 It was the consensus of the Council to research other cities on berm parameters and enforcement. 5.3.E. Authorize Carl Walker Ine. to Complete a Downtown Parking- Study Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that at the April 9 Council meeting, staff was authorized to expedite the process for completing a study on the feasibility of a downtown parking ramp. Ms. Mehelich explained that over the past month a staff work group (Engineering, Planning, Community Development, and Finance) have explored options for completing the study and met with two planning/ engineering fIrms who handle parking ramps. She indicated that Carl Walker, Inc. and Vedi Associates were chosen based on recommendations from other cities. Ms. Mehelich explained that following a tour of the core downtown area, the fIrms outlined the process they would recommend to identity current and future parking demands, identity alternative parking solutions, and conduct a parking ramp analysis including timing, sizing, issues, and estimated costs. She indicated that the proposals differed in their approach and process for completing the analysis. She stated that staff recommends the approach by Carl Walker, Inc. because it appears to best meet the city's goal and objectives in determining an actual amount for current and future parking needs, identifying a series of alternative solutions based on those needs, and their evaluation of appropriate timing, sizing, concept options, planning, and costs associated with a future parking structure. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO AUTHORIZE CARL WALKER, INC. TO COMPLETE A DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY AS OUTLINED IN THEIR PROPOSAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,100 TO BE PAID OUT OF THE CITY CAPITAL PROJECTS ACCOUNT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.4. Private Roads in Townhome Developments City Administrator Lori Johnson stated that the issue of maintenance and replacement of private roads has come up in the past and the Council has decided that it was not in the city's best interest to take over these roads. She indicated that this issue has been raised again by Mayor Klinzing and staff would like Council direction if they would like to explore rhis topic further. Ms. Johnson noted that she spoke with the gentleman interested in having the city explore this issue and he is aware this item is on the agenda for tonight. Ms. Johnson stated that there are approximately 3.2. miles of private roads in townhome developments and 3.9. miles of gravel and commercial private roads. Street Superintendent Phil Hals indicated that his biggest concerns are the costs and employee time associated with signing, repairing, maintaining, and plowing the private roads. Mayor Klinzing indicated that some townhome residents believe they are not receiving the same benefIts as other city residents because their roads are not maintained by the city. She stated that she would like to see the costs outlined so residents understand that with the additional equipment and staff time necessary to take over the private roads it would not be cost effective. Councilmember Farber noted that he would also like to see the benefIts of the road remaining private outlined. He stated that if the roads are taken over by the city the homeowners would be subject to assessments for street repairs just as other residents are